Maintenance Log Book, Holder for Log Book, and Method of Using Both

ABSTRACT

A maintenance log book and maintenance related items are held in a case that includes a top cover which can be opened to remove the book and a tag holding arrangement provided inside the case. There is also an elongate, interior wall arrangement located inside the case and defining a passage for receiving and holding a flexible connector suitable for attaching a tag to a vehicle. The log book for use with material handling equipment includes a plurality of pages containing inspection checklists. There are additional pages provided in duplicate which are maintenance request forms. Prior to use of the equipment, the operator completes one of the checklists, each of which lists working parts and components, and fluids to be checked. If maintenance is required, the user completes one of the request forms in duplicate and then removes a detachable copy from the log book to request maintenance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to holders for log books, log books for use withmaterial handling equipment for the purpose of conducting inspections ofthis equipment and maintaining same, and methods of tracking inspectionsand maintenance of material handling equipment.

There is a recognized need for material handling equipment, such asforklift trucks, to be inspected on a regular and timely basis in orderto ensure that the equipment is working properly and is safe to operate.In the case of forklift trucks, which often are used for full workshifts, operators skilled in the operation and maintenance of thesetrucks and their manufacturers generally agree that it is necessary toinspect these trucks at the beginning of each shift (for example: aseven hour or eight hour shift) to insure that it is working properlyand not in need of repair or maintenance. Thus it is generally agreedthat the operator should conduct a visual inspection of various workingparts, components and fluids to ensure that these parts and componentsare operating safely and that there are the proper amounts of fluidssuch as hydraulic oil and coolant and to confirm that these parts,components and fluids are in accordance with the operator's manual. Inparticular, items such as brakes, controls, the hydraulic system, thehorn and lights must be functioning properly.

If the inspection of the equipment by the operator reveals that a repairto the equipment or truck is required or that maintenance is requiredthan this should generally be reported to a supervisor responsible forsame or to a maintenance department or to other persons responsible formaintenance of the equipment or truck in order that the necessarymaintenance or repair can be carried out. Furthermore, if the inspectionreveals that in fact the equipment or truck is unsafe to operate, thensteps should be taken to ensure that the equipment is not in fact useduntil the necessary repairs have been completed.

In the case of forklift trucks which do require regular inspections forsafety and maintenance purposes, it is known to provide a plurality ofinspection forms for the operator's use so that these inspections can becarried out. These forms in duplicate are held in a container attachedat a suitable location on the forklift truck. This container, which ismade of polyethylene can be equipped with a top flap that is secured tothe main body of the container by an integral hinge and that can bemoved to an open position in order to remove the inspection book. Withthis known inspection system each inspection record is prepared induplicate and one of the two copies is given to the supervisor in orderthat he can confirm that the inspection has been carried out and inorder that he has a record of this inspection. The second copy of thecompleted form remains in the book. This system can result in an undueamount of paperwork for the supervisor and the need to keep a lot ofinspection form copies.

Early U.S. Pat. No. 1,798,401 issued Mar. 31, 1931 to A. L. Danielsonteaches a log book container which can also be used to hold a license orcertificate. This container is provided with a cover which is attachedto the main body of the container by a hinge member. The certificateheld in the container is protected by a transparent shield member, thesides of which fit into channels formed by two retaining strips mountedinside the container at opposite ends. This container can be mounted toa steering post of a vehicle by means of a clamp member.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,797,935 issued Jul. 2, 1957 to C. E. Carney teaches aholder for supporting a pad of notepaper, this holder being suited foruse in a vehicle. The holder includes a rectangular metal box with a lidat one end, the lid being attached to the box by a hinge pin. Extendingover the top wall of the container is a so called partition or externalwall which has a pencil holding loop formed at its lower end. Theexternal wall can be used to hold a pad on the top of the container byinserting the pad's cardboard back between the external wall and the topof the container.

Despite these known log book and paper pad holders, there remains a needfor a holder that is capable of not only holding a maintenance log bookfor a commercial or industrial vehicle or for material handlingequipment but also other maintenance related items, which the operatorof the vehicle or equipment may need from time to time. There alsoremains a need for an improved log book for use with material handlingequipment, such as forklift trucks, for the purpose of conductinginspections of the equipment and maintaining this equipment. Inparticular there is a need for a simple-to-use log book for materialhandling equipment that includes a plurality of printed pages containinginspection checklists for completion but also additional printed pageswhich can be used to make a specific request for maintenance of theequipment when this is required.

Furthermore, there is a need for a good method of tracking inspectionsand maintenance of material handling equipment, this method employing aholder containing equipment maintenance forms which is provided on theequipment, the maintenance forms including not only a book of printedinspection checklists listing working parts, components and fluids to bechecked on a regular schedule, but also a maintenance request form thatcan be completed if maintenance is required

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure provides an advantageous holder for holding amaintenance log book and maintenance related items for a commercial orindustrial vehicle. Further the present disclosure provides anadvantageous log book for use with material handling equipment for thepurpose of conducting inspections of the equipment and maintaining theequipment. In addition, the present disclosure provides an advantageousmethod of tracking inspections and maintenance of material handlingequipment using a holder for containing equipment maintenance forms thatis provided on the material handling equipment and maintenance formsincluding a log book that contains pages of printed inspectionchecklists.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a holder for holdinga maintenance log book and maintenance related items for a commercial orindustrial vehicle includes a case having spaced apart, front and rearwalls, a bottom, two side walls extending between and fixedly connectingthe front and rear walls, and a top cover movable between open andclosed positions. This case forms an enclosed chamber with the cover inthe closed position and it is adapted to receive and hold themaintenance log book. A tag holding arrangement is provided inside thecase and is connected to at least one wall of the case. This arrangementallows a maintenance tag to be placed in or removed from the holdingarrangement through an open top of the case when the top cover is in theopen position. An elongate interior wall arrangement located inside thecase and is connected to the case. This wall arrangement defines anelongate, narrow passage suitable for receiving and holding an elongate,flexible connector for attaching the maintenance tag to the vehicle whenvehicle maintenance is required.

In a particularly exemplary embodiment of this holder, the case is amolded plastic case and the top cover is integrally and pivotallyattached to the rear wall.

According to a further aspect of the present disclosure, a log book foruse with material handling equipment for the purpose of conductinginspections of the equipment and maintaining this equipment includes aplurality of printed pages bound together, each page containing at leastone inspection checklist for completion by one or more operators of theequipment. A plurality of additional printed pages are also provided andare arranged in pairs in order to provide duplicate copies with one ofthe two copies being detachable and the second of the two copies beingnon-detachable from the log book. These additional printed pages aremaintenance request forms. During use of this log book and prior to useof the equipment, a user of the equipment can check off one of thechecklists, each of which lists working parts and components and fluidsto be checked by the user. If maintenance is required after theequipment inspection, the user can complete one of the maintenancerequest forms in duplicate and remove the one detachable copy from thelog book in order to request maintenance for the equipment.

According to a particular exemplary embodiment of this log book,accident report form pages are arranged in pairs in the book in order toprovide duplicate copies with one of the two copies of each accidentreport form page being detachable and the second of the two copies ofthe accident report form page being non-detachable from the log book.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method oftracking inspections and maintenance of material handling equipmentincludes providing a holder containing equipment maintenance forms onthe material handling equipment, these maintenance forms being removablefrom the holder and including a log book having a plurality of pageshaving printed thereon inspection checklists listing working parts,components and fluids to be checked on a regular, predeterminedoperating schedule. The method of the present disclosure includes havingan operator of the equipment carry out a predetermined equipmentinspection covering the parts, components and fluids and filling out oneof the inspection checklists prior to operating the equipment for aselected period of time. The book is removed from the holder prior tothe completion of the checklist. If maintenance is required after theequipment inspection, the operator completes a maintenance request formwhich is one of the equipment maintenance forms. Upon completion of themaintenance request form, if required, a copy thereof is delivered to aperson responsible for maintenance of the equipment. The book is thenplaced back into the holder.

According to an exemplary embodiment of this method, the book alsoincludes a plurality of maintenance request forms includingnon-detachable carbonless duplicate copies thereof and a plurality ofaccident report forms including non-detachable carbonless duplicatecopies. This exemplary method includes the additional step of completingone of the accident report forms in duplicate if an accident involvingthe material handling equipment occurs during its operation.

These and other aspects of the disclosed holder, log book, and method oftracking inspections and maintenance of equipment will become morereadily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawingsprovided herewith.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that those having ordinary skills in the art to which the presentdisclosure pertains will more readily understand how to make and use thesubject invention, exemplary embodiments thereof will be described indetail herein below with reference to the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a holder or case for holding a maintenance logbook and maintenance related items for a commercial or industrialvehicle;

FIG. 2 is a right side view of the holder of FIG. 1, this view showing apen mounted on the holder;

FIG. 3 is a vertical cross-section of the holder taken along the lineIII-III of FIG. 2, this view omitting the pen and its clamp;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the holder taken along the lineIV-IV of FIG. 1, this view also showing a flexible connector mountedinside the holder;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of the upper portion of the holder of FIG. 1with the top cover in the closed position;

FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross-section of the holder taken along the lineVI-VI of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top edge view of a maintenance log book constructedaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of printed pages in the log book, these pagesbeing seen from their side edges, and this view showing how printedpages serving different functions are bound on top of each other to formthe log book of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front view illustrating the format and layout of aninspection checklist form according to the present disclosure, this viewillustrating that more than one copy of this form is provided in the logbook;

FIG. 10 is a front view of a maintenance tag that can be held in theholder of FIG. 1 when maintenance or repairs are required;

FIG. 11 is a side view of a flexible plastic connector that can be usedto attach the tag of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front view of a maintenance request form, this view showingthe general layout of the form and the provision of a duplicate copythereof;

FIG. 13 is a front view of an accident report form, this view showingthe general layout of the form and indicating that a duplicate copy isprovided;

FIG. 14 is a front view showing the general layout of a maintenance logthat can be included in the log book, this view indicating the provisionof more than one copy of this form; and

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a standard forklift truck shown indot-dash lines and equipped with the holder of FIG. 1, the holder beingmounted on an easily accessible surface of the truck.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT(S)

In the detailed description which follows, various exemplary embodimentsare described, particularly with reference to the figures appendedhereto. However, the particularly described embodiments are merelyillustrative of a holder for holding a maintenance log book, a log bookfor use with material handling equipment, and methods of trackinginspections and maintenance of material handling equipment.

Referring now to the figures, FIGS. 1 to 6 illustrate a holder 10 forholding a maintenance log book and maintenance related items for acommercial or industrial vehicle, such as the forklift truck illustratedin FIG. 15. FIG. 15 illustrates how this holder and its contents can bemounted on a commercial vehicle such as a forklift truck. Although themeans for attaching the holder to the vehicle can vary, according to oneexemplary embodiment, two sided adhesive tape 12 is used. Asillustrated, two strips of this tape can be attached on the rear surfaceof the holder and can extend most of the length of the holder. Thesurface to which the holder is attached is preferably substantially flatto enable a very good bond using this tape.

The holder of the present disclosure includes a case which can be madeby injection molding and an exemplary type of plastic for the case ispolypropylene, this type of plastic allowing labels and stickers withsuitable text to be attached, for example, to the front surface of thecase. The illustrated case includes spaced apart, front and rear walls14 and 16, a bottom 18 and two side walls 20 and 22 which extend betweenand rigidly connect the front and rear walls. The case further includesa top cover 24 movable between an open position (see FIG. 3) and aclosed position, the latter position being shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Itwill be understood that the case forms an enclosed chamber 26 when thecover is in the closed position and is adapted to receive and hold amaintenance log book such as the log book 28 illustrated in FIG. 7. Anexemplary form of the top cover 24 is integrally and pivotably attachedto the rear wall 16. It is also possible to construct the cover as aseparate, detachable member such as one, for example, which hassidewalls that telescope over the top section of the main portion of thecase in a snug fitting manner. The illustrated top cover has a frontflap 30 pivotably connected to a remaining section 32. In an exemplaryembodiment, a so called living hinge 34 can be provided between thefront flap 30 and the section 32 and a further living hinge 36 can beprovided to pivotably connect the section 32 to the rear wall 16. In awell known manner, such living hinges are made by reducing the thicknessof the plastic material which is sufficiently flexible to permitpivoting to take place. In an exemplary embodiment, an attachmentmechanism is provided to detachably connect the front flap 30 to thefront wall 14 of the case. As illustrated, this attachment mechanismcomprises a magnetic strip closure 38. This closure can comprise twomagnetized strips with one strip 39 being affixed to the front wall 14and the other strip 40 being affixed to the inside surface of the frontflap.

The illustrated holder 10 is provided with a tag holding arrangementcomprising two elongate ribs 42, 44 that can be formed on either thefront wall 14 or the rear wall of the case. These ribs as illustratedare formed on the rear wall 16. The ribs can extend a major portion ofthe height of the holder as shown in FIG. 3 and they can extend to thebottom 18 of the holder. According to one form of these ribs, this formbeing shown in FIG. 6, the ribs slope inwardly, for example at an angleof about 45°, to the adjacent wall 16. In this way, they form grooves 46having open sides which face each other. Each groove is adapted to holda respective side edge of a maintenance tag 48, one version of which isillustrated in FIG. 10. In order to be held in these grooves, the tag,which can be made of suitable cardboard or suitably stiff plasticsheeting, has a width W which is slightly greater than the distance Dbetween the inner or free edges 50 of the ribs. The maintenance functionof this tag 48 is explained below in the description of FIG. 10 and inthe description of the method of this disclosure for trackinginspections and maintenance. It will be appreciated that alternativeforms of tag hold arrangements inside the case are possible. Forexample, instead of the sloping ribs 42, 44, it is possible to provideribs or edge holders of similar length that are L-shaped incross-section with one leg of the L projecting from the rear wall 16 andthe other leg projecting inwardly towards the other rib. It is alsopossible to provide a complete partition wall that extends substantiallythe width of the case and that is a short distance from the rear wall orthe front wall, thereby forming a narrow compartment or slot forreceiving the tag. It is also possible to form ribs or ridges thatextend inwardly from the side walls and that are a short distance fromeither the rear wall or the front wall of the case, thereby formingrelatively narrow slots or grooves to receive the edges of a maintenancetag.

The holder 10 of the disclosure is also provided with an elongateinterior wall arrangement indicated generally at 55, this arrangementbeing located inside the case and connected to the case. The wallarrangement defines an elongate, narrow passage 56 suitable forreceiving and holding an elongate, flexible connector 58 for attachingthe maintenance tag 48 to the vehicle when vehicle maintenance isrequired. In the illustrated embodiment of the arrangement 55 there aretwo, elongate divider walls 60, 62 located adjacent a corner 64 of thecase formed between one of the side walls 20, 22 and one of the frontand rear walls. In the illustrated case, this corner 64 is located wherethe sidewall 20 meets the rear wall 16. In an exemplary embodiment,these divider walls 60, 62 extend for most of the height of the case andthey can be separated by a gap 66, this gap helping to keep the passage56 clear and unobstructed. Alternatively, the two walls 60, 62 couldmeet and be joined so that the passage 56 is substantially enclosed,except for its top end. As a further alternative, it is also possiblefor the wall arrangement 55 to be a curved wall extending from the sidewall to the adjacent rear or front wall.

A notch 68 can be formed at a top end of one side wall of the case andadjacent top ends of the divider walls 60, 62. This notch, which can beseen clearly in FIGS. 4 and 5, is adapted to and sized to receive aconnecting head 70 of the flexible plastic connector 58. This head isintegrally formed at one end of the connector as shown in FIGS. 4 and11. In a known manner, this head has a rectangular passageway 72 formedtherein and, when the connector is being used to secure a maintenancetag to the vehicle, an opposite, tapered end 73 can be looped around andinserted through the passage 72. Because of a gripping jaw 74 mountedinside the passage 72, the portion of the connector inserted through thepassageway cannot readily be withdrawn. A more detailed description ofthe flexible connector herein is deemed unnecessary as this type ofconnector is known per se in the connector art. It will also beappreciated that other forms of flexible connectors than the plasticconnector shown can also be used to attach the maintenance tag. Forexample, a strip of easily bendable metal wire can be used and, ifdesired, this wire can be encased by a paper strip covering to make iteasier to handle and manipulate.

Turning now to the construction of the maintenance log book 28, a topend of which is shown in FIG. 7, this book of the present disclosure isconstructed for use with material handling equipment, such as a forklifttruck for the purpose of conducting inspections of the equipment andmaintaining the equipment. The book comprises a plurality of printedpages indicated generally at 76 which are bound together. The binding,which can be of standard construction, can comprise an edge binding 78which is glued to the edges of the pages along one side of the book. Ifdesired, the book can include a front cover 80 which can be suitablylabeled to indicate the purpose of the book and a rear cover 82 and bothof these covers can be the usual rectangular shape and sufficientlylarge to cover the front and back of the bound printed pages. The bookincludes a first group of pages 84 which comprises a plurality ofprinted pages, each containing at least one inspection checklist 86. Oneof these pages and the general layout of the checklist is illustrated inFIG. 9 which also indicates a second and a third page of the sameinspection checklist. In one exemplary embodiment of the maintenancebook, the first group of pages 84 comprises one hundred and eightypages. Moreover, on each of these pages as illustrated in FIG. 9, thereare five blank vertical columns 88 to 92 and thus, using this particularchecklist page, it is possible to conduct five separate inspectionprocedures before using the next checklist page. In accordance with goodmaintenance practices, this inspection checklist form is completed atthe beginning of each shift by the operator. The pages of the firstgroup 84, which are not provided in duplicate, remain in the maintenancelog book at all times. This procedure avoids unnecessary duplicatecopies of the checklist form and avoids the use of loose or unattachedcopies of the checklist forms which can get lost or misplaced.

In addition to the aforementioned five columns, an exemplary embodimentof the checklist form can be provided with an upper end section 94 onwhich can be printed the title of the form, for example, “Lift TruckLog” as well as the particular type of lift truck for which the form isintended, for example, the type known as Counter Balance Propane. In theupper corner of the wide left hand column of the form there can beprinted the following list of information to be inserted in each of thecolumns to the right.

-   -   Date    -   Time Start    -   Meter Start    -   Time End    -   Meter End    -   Start of Shift

On a horizontal band provided at 96, there can be inserted a suitabletitle for the inspection items to be listed below this band and afurther title can be printed on the next horizontal band 98. Forexample, the band 96 can have printed thereon the title “VisualInspection” in order to indicate to the operator that the items in thesection below this title that are listed in the left hand column areitems that must be visually inspected prior to operation of the truck.Then in the left hand vertical margin 100 there can be printed categorytitles for the visual inspection which, in the case of a propane drivenforklift truck can be the category “Propane” printed at 102, thecategory “Engine” printed at 104 and the category “Forklift” printed at106. In the left hand column beside the category “Propane” can be listedthe following inspection items (as an example only).

-   -   Relief Valve Pointing UP:    -   Fuel Level:    -   No Fuel Leaks:    -   Safety Strap Secure:

In the left column beside the category 104, the following inspectionitems can be listed, if appropriate, for the machine:

-   -   Oil Level:    -   Radiator Fluid Level:    -   Air Filter:    -   Fan Belt:    -   Hydraulic Oil:    -   Battery and Connectors:

Beside the category “Forklift” in the lefthand column, there can, forexample, be listed the following inspection items:

-   -   Overhead Guard:    -   Tires/Wheels:    -   Tilt Cylinders:    -   Carriage:    -   Forks and Locking Pins:    -   Mast:    -   Lift Cylinder and Chains:    -   Capacity Data Plate:    -   Other:

In the horizontal band at 98, a title such as “Operational Inspection”can be printed to indicate that the items listed below this title mustbe actually operated in order to see if they operate properly. In theright margin at 108 there can be listed a category description suitablefor this portion of the inspection, for example, the category “OperatorControls”. Under this title and this category in the left hand columnthere can be listed the following inspection items (as an example only)which are listed in a single column.

-   -   Seat Belt:    -   Parking Brake:    -   Service Brakes:    -   Lifting and Lowering Controls:    -   Tilt Controls:    -   Lights:    -   Horn and Warning Devices:    -   Gauges:    -   No Oil Leaks:    -   Optional—Attachments:    -   Other:

In the bottom box at 110 below the left hand column of inspection itemsthere can be printed the word “Pass” and it is here that the operatorafter the inspection has been carried out indicates on the form whetheror not the machine or truck has passed the inspection and is incondition for normal use. This could be indicated by a check mark.

In the next rectangle 112, can be printed the word “Fail” and thisindicates where the operator should indicate that the machine or truckhas not passed the inspection. A check mark or X beside the box 112indicates that maintenance or repair of the machine was considerednecessary and was requested by the operator in the manner explainedbelow. The bottom rectangular 114 can have printed thereon the words“Operator's Initials:” which indicates that the operator must initialthe bottom of the inspection form and, in particular, a bottom rectangle116 located at the bottom of one of the five column 88 to 92, therebyofficially confirming that he has carried out the necessary inspectionof the vehicle or truck.

The maintenance book 28 also includes a plurality of additional printedpages that are arranged in pairs in order to provide duplicate copies.This plurality of pages is indicated as a second group 120 in FIG. 8wherein the various groups of pages that make up the completemaintenance log book are shown separated by small gaps 122 for sake ofillustration and understanding. This second group of pages can bemaintenance request forms. An example of this form is shown in FIG. 12and is identified generally by reference 125. Only an exemplary layoutfor this particular form is illustrated in FIG. 12. The fact that thisform is provided in duplicate is indicated by the duplicate copy at 126.One of the two copies, for example, the front copy, is detachable fromthe log book 28 while the second of the two copies is non-detachablefrom the log book. The request form 125 must be filled out by theoperator if maintenance or a repair is required on the material handlingequipment. The detachable copy is removed by the operator and given tohis supervisor or other designated person responsible for maintenance orrepairs done on the vehicle or truck. The non-detachable copy remains,of course, in the log book for record keeping purposes. At the sametime, the operator must also determine if the equipment or truck isunsafe to operate. If so, the truck or equipment must be locked out ofservice using a maintenance tag such as the aforementioned tag 48illustrated in FIG. 10.

According to one embodiment of the request form 125, the form is laidout as will now be described and is printed with suitable language tofacilitate its use. In particular, at the top of the form in thehorizontal space 128, can be printed a descriptive title such as “RepairRequest Form” or “Maintenance Request Form”. Below this title in theleft side area indicated at 130 there can be listed the followingheadings to provide identifying information concerning the request:

-   -   Truck No.    -   Location    -   Hour Meter    -   Name    -   Date        The operator fills in the requested information in the right        side area indicated at 132 which can be suitably lined. Then, in        the rectangular area 134 located under the identifying        information, there can be written a description of the required        repair or maintenance. At the top of the area 134 can be a        suitable subtitle such as “Repair Description:”. In a particular        embodiment of this form, there is also provision for the        operator to indicate the condition of the truck or vehicle and,        in particular, to indicate whether or not it is considered safe        to operate or unsafe operate. Thus, in the area 136 there can be        printed the descriptive words “Condition of Truck”. Two check        off squares can be provided at 137 and 138 and to the right of        these squares in the area 139 can be printed information to        identify what information is being provided by a check mark in        either of the two squares. For example, beside the first square        137 can be printed the words “Safe to Operate Until Repairs        Completed”. Beside the second square 138 can be printed the        following:    -   Unsafe to Operate    -   1) Keys Removed    -   2) Fuel Turned Off    -   3) Tag Placed on Steering Wheel

There may also be a provision on this request form to indicate whetheror not the truck, vehicle or equipment was involved in an accident. Aprompt for indicating this state of affairs can be printed in the area140. In one embodiment, the words printed in this area are “Truck wasInvolved in an Accident:”. To the right of the area 140 can be two smallsquares, one of which is checked off to indicate that the truck wasinvolved in an accident and the other of which is checked off if thetruck was not involved in an accident. Beside the first square can bethe word “YES” and beside the second square can be the word “NO”. Ifdesired, or if required by the rules of operation of the vehicle ortruck, there can be printed a reminder below the area 140 such as thefollowing statement:

-   -   “if YES is selected, an accident report must be filled out and        submitted to your Supervisor.”        There can also be a further printed area at the bottom of the        request form, this area indicated at 142. This area can provide        a printed reminder concerning how the request form is to be        used. For example, the following words can be printed in the        area 142:    -   “This form must be submitted to the designated Supervisor for        approved repairs of the lift truck.”

The number of repair request forms provided in any particular log bookcan, of course, vary depending on such factors as the equipment withwhich the log book is used, the known amount of maintenance required forsuch a vehicle and other factors. In one particular log book, the numberof request repair forms provided in duplicate is twenty-four. Automatictransfer of the printing or writing on the first copy of the accidentreport form can be provided by using a known type of carbonless paperform which is able to transfer the writing or printing to the duplicatecopy 126. The detachable copy of this form can be provided by means of aline of perforations along the edge of the form where the form is boundin the log book. As an alternative, of course, it is possible to usecarbon paper inserts between the two printed copies so that the printingor writing will be transferred to the second copy. This form can becolor coded, if desired. For example, the first copy of the form can beyellow while the second copy is light green.

The maintenance log book 28 according to the present disclosure can alsoinclude accident report form pages which are also arranged in pairs inorder to provide duplicate copies. One embodiment of such an accidentreport form is illustrated in FIG. 13 and indicated by reference 150. Aduplicate copy of this report form is indicated at 152. Again, thisduplicate form can be a carbonless type form wherein writing andprinting on the first or top copy is automatically transferred to theduplicate copy 152. One of the two copies of this form is detachable,for example, the top copy, while the second of the two copies isnon-detachable from the log book. A third group of forms which can bethese accident report forms is indicated at 154 in FIG. 8. As shown,these accident report forms can be provided in the log book below thesecond group 120 which are the maintenance request forms. Although thenumber of accident request forms provided in duplicate will varydepending on the equipment or vehicle, in one embodiment of the log bookthere are four of these report forms provided in duplicate. Vehiclessuch as lift trucks are often involved in accidents that may involvepedestrians and/or physical objects. Whenever such an accident occurs,the accident report form must be filled out. Once the report iscompleted, the detachable copy is removed and given to the supervisor orother person having responsibility for such accidents and the reportingof same while the other copy remains in the log book for record keeping.The two copies of each accident report can be colour coated, if desired.For example, the detachable copy can be coloured pink while thenon-detachable copy is beige or white.

As for the text appearing on the accident report, at the top of thereport in the area there can be a suitable title such as “LIFT TRUCKLOG: ACCIDENT REPORT”. Below this title in the area 158 there can bewritten on the lines provided important identifying information. On theleft side of this area can be written a list of items to be covered suchas the following list.

-   -   Lift Truck No.:    -   Date of Incident:    -   Time of Incident:    -   Name:    -   Position:    -   Place of Incident:        If desired, there can be a smaller, central section 160 which        relates to the locking out of the vehicle or truck after the        incident and indicates whether or not this occurred. For        example, the following question can appear in this area:

“Was lift truck immediately locked out after the incident?”

Beside this question there can be two squares 161, 162 for a possiblecheck mark and beside these squares can appear the words “YES” and “NO”respectively.

Below the area 160 there can be provided an enumerated list of thepersons who were involved in the incident, their names being listed at164. At the top of this list can appear a written explanation such as“Names of Those Involved in the Incident.” Beside this description ofthe list there can be a right side column having two side-by-side checkoff squares indicated at 166. Beside each pair of squares (each pairbeing associated with one person) there can be the words “YES” and “NO”respectively. At the top of this column of check off squares can appearan indication of the purpose of the check mark, for example, the word“INJURED?”. Thus, if the reporting person checks off the YES box besidea person's name, this would indicate that the listed person was injured.In the lined area 168 appearing at the bottom of the form, the reportingindividual can fill in the details of the accident A suitable subtitlesuch as “DETAILS OF ACCIDENT” can be provided at 170, A line for thesignature of the reporting person is provided at 172 and the word“SIGNED” can appear at 174 in order to indicate that the person is tosign the completed report. Finally, a space for the date of the reportcan be provided at 176 with the description “DATE:” appearing at 178.

An optional additional form that can also be included in the maintenancelog book is a “Near-Miss Incident Report.” This report can be similar inset up and format to the accident report form described above and shownin FIG. 13. Again, the form can be provided in duplicate on carbonlesspaper so that text written on the first copy will be transferred to thesecond copy. At the top of this optional form can be a suitable titlesuch as “Near-Miss Incident Report” and below this can be words toidentify the truck or vehicle such as the words “Truck No.:” with a boxon the right side of these words to insert the vehicle or truckidentification number. Below this on the form can be the following listof prompts for details to be filled in beside each prompt on one or morelines provided:

-   -   Date of Incident:    -   Time of Incident:    -   Name:    -   Position:    -   Location of Incident:    -   Describe details of Near-Miss Incident:    -   What acts or conditions may have contributed to the incident?:    -   What action could be taken to prevent a similar incident?:        At the bottom of this form can be printed the prompt “SIGNED.”        beside a space for the signature of the operator completing the        report as well as the prompt “DATE.” beside the space for the        date. There can also be an indication at the bottom of this form        that the first copy, which can be the detachable copy, must be        given to the supervisor (or other responsible person responsible        for reporting such occurrences). At the bottom of the second,        non-detachable copy, there can be printed words to indicate that        this copy remains in the Maintenance Log, for example, the words        “This form remains in Lift Truck Log”. It will be appreciated by        those skilled in the operation of such vehicles as forklift        trucks that this form should be used, or a form containing        similar information, whenever the vehicle or truck is involved        with an incident that almost resulted in an accident in the        opinion of the operator. The purpose of this form is to        hopefully avoid future accidents by possibly taking steps which        will avoid such an incident occurring again.

An exemplary embodiment of the maintenance log book can also include atleast one maintenance log page having printed columns for recording thedate and nature of a maintenance job carried out on the equipment. Oneembodiment of such a maintenance log page is illustrated in FIG. 14 andis indicted generally by reference 180. This maintenance log page can benon-detachable from the log book 28 and more than one maintenance logpage can be provided in the book, if desired A second maintenance logpage is indicated in FIG. 14 at 182. These pages can be grouped togetheras a fourth group of forms indicated at 184 in FIG. 8. This group can befound underneath the third group 154. In one embodiment of themaintenance log book only two of these printed pages are provided. Asuitable title for this page such as “ROUTINE MAINTENANCE LOG” canappear at the top of the page in the area 186. Below the title, in thehorizontal strip 188 can be a reminder concerning the maintenancefrequency required for the vehicle or truck. For example, the area 188can contain the words “PROTECTIVE MAINTENANCE (PM) SERVICE TO BE DONEEVERY: _ HRS.” In the blank space before the word “HRS.” the operator,supervisor or other maintenance person can fill in the stipulated oragreed upon number of hours between routine maintenance sessions. In thecase of lift trucks, these must be maintained on regular intervals basedon hours of use. This maintenance log will ensure that the truck isconsistently inspected for safety and operational soundness. Providingmaintenance services too frequently is wasteful while not servicing atruck or other vehicle sufficiently frequently can constitute a safetyhazard.

In the horizontal strip indicated at 190 can be printed the title of thecolumns of the maintenance log. In the illustrated maintenance log whichhas four vertical columns these titles can, for example, be “DATE”,“TYPE”, “HOUR METER”, and “HOURS BETWEEN LAST SERVICE”>. Of course, eachtime routine maintenance is carried out on the vehicle or truck, therequested information is filled out on the first empty horizontal stripextending across the four columns in the area 192.

An optional but desirable feature of the log book is the provision of amovable flap member 194 that is illustrated in FIG. 7. This flap member,for example, can be an extension of the rear cover 82 of the book andcan be a flexible plastic panel of sufficient thickness. The member 194can be inserted by a user of the log book behind a selected one of thetwo part carbonless forms in the book in order to prevent data beingrecorded on a selected two-part form from being transferred wholly orpartially on any two-part carbonless form underlying the flap member. Itwill be understood that the position of the movable flap member in thebook can be moved each time a two part carbonless form has beencompleted so that it underlines the next carbonless form to be completedin the book.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary form of a lock out tag 48 that can beprovided in the holder 10. The tag can include a hole 200 near one endthrough which the aforementioned flexible connector 58 can be insertedin order to attach the tag to the vehicle or truck. A suitable warningword such as “DANGER” can be printed in large letters in the area 202.In an adjacent area, explanatory language concerning the purpose of thelock out tag can be printed. For example, in the area 204 there can beprinted “EQUIPMENT LOCKED OUT” in large letters. If desired, there canalso be printed in area 204 further warnings or instructions that may berequired or desirable. For example, the warnings “DO NOT REMOVE THIS TAGWITHOUT AUTHORIZATION” and/or “DO NOT USE” can be printed in this area.It is possible to direct the reader to read the other side of the tag bysuch words as “SEE OTHER SIDE” placed in the region 203. The other sideof the tag can also have warning words such “DANGER” and “EQUIPMENTLOCKED OUT” printed thereon. On this other side, there can be providedan area for pertinent information to be written on the tag on linesbeside suitable prompt headings such as “EQUIPMENT NO.:”, “DATE:”,“NAME:” and “REASON:”. If desired, a separate removable tab 206 can beprovided at the end of the tag 48 opposite the hole 200. This tab (whichacts as a receipt) can be removable by means of a line of perforations205 extending transversely across the tag. This tab or receipt can alsohave a substantially blank area for the same information to be writtenthereon, namely, “EQUIPMENT NO.:”, “NAME:”, “DATE:” and “REASON:”. Thisend tab in one embodiment has a height extending in the longitudinaldirection of the tag of about 1.54 inches while the overall tag lengthis 6.3 inches. The tab can be removed when the rest of the equipmentlock out tag has been attached to the equipment or truck and handed intoa supervisor or other official with the repair request form to which thetab can be attached by two-sided adhesive tape, if desired. Itconstitutes a form of proof that the equipment lock-out tag was in factattached by the operator or mechanic. The exact manner in which the tabis used or to whom it is given will depend on the particular safetyprocedures adopted by the owner or company. In order that the tag willnot be overlooked when placed on a vehicle or truck, it can be coloredor patterned in a distinguishing manner that will catch the attention ofthe observer. For example, in one particular embodiment, the tag hasdiagonally extending red and white strips 2008 that alternate.

An additional optional attachment for the holder 10 is illustrated inFIGS. 1, 2 and 6. This attachment is a ballpoint pen 210 which can beconnected by a coiled plastic wire 212 to the case. In particular, oneend of the plastic wire can be attached to the top end of the pen whilethe other end is attached to a pen clamp 214. The clamp 214 is attachedto the side of a case, for example, by means of a suitable adhesivestrip. The illustrated clamp has two, spaced apart clamping members 216which extend generally parallel and which form an open ended slot thatcan snugly receive the pen.

FIG. 15 illustrates one way in which the holder 10 can be mounted on atruck such as a forklift truck. Shown in chain-link lines in the figureis a typical forklift truck 220 having front wheels 222 and rear wheels224. An operator's seat is provided at 226 and the operator is protectedby an overhead guard 228. Mounted for vertical movement at the front endof the truck are two lift forks which are mounted on a carriage 232. Asthe construction of a truck of this type is well known in the equipmenthandling art, a further description of this truck herein is deemedunnecessary. Although the holder 10 is shown mounted on the side of thetruck, with the top flap located at the top end, it will be appreciatedthat it is also possible to mount the holder with its rear surface on ahorizontal surface, if desired. Thus, the terms “top” and “bottom” asused herein to describe the holder or case are only used herein as termsof reference and an indication of one manner in which the holder or casecan be mounted on a vehicle or truck (but not the only way that it ispossible to mount same).

It will be appreciated by one skilled in the inspection and maintenanceof material handling equipment, and in particular forklift trucks, thatby employing the holder, maintenance log book and other optionalfeatures described above, there has been disclosed herein a method oftracking inspections and maintenance of material handling equipment.According to a basic form of this method, the method includes providingthe holder 10 and equipment maintenance forms on the material handlingequipment such as the forklift truck 220 with the maintenance formscontained in the holder. The maintenance forms are removable from theholder and they include a book having a plurality of pages havingprinted thereon inspection checklists 86 listing working parts,components and fluids to be checked on a regular, predeterminedoperating schedule. The method further requires an operator of theequipment to carry out a predetermined equipment inspection coveringthese parts, components and fluids and filling out one of the inspectionchecklists 86 prior to operating the equipment a period of time, forexample, a work shift, the book being removed from the holder prior tocompletion of the checklist. Then, if maintenance is required after theequipment inspection, the operator completes a maintenance request formsuch as the form 125, which is one of the provided equipment maintenanceforms. Upon completion of the maintenance request form, if required, acopy thereof is delivered to the person responsible for maintenance ofthe equipment and then the book is placed back into the holder 10.

As indicated, if an accident involving the material handling equipmentoccurs during its operation, the aforementioned method of trackinginspections and maintenance can include the additional step ofcompleting one of the accident report forms in duplicate. An example ofthis report form is the form 150 shown in FIG. 13.

In an exemplary form of this method which can include the use of thechecklist 86, filling out the inspection checklist includes recording astart time for operation of the equipment by the operator. Thisinformation can be inserted near the top of the checklist 86 in a spaceprovided for this purpose. This inspection method can also include theadditional step of removing the maintenance log book from the holder 10after the operator has finished operation of the equipment for a periodof time, such as a work shift, and recording an end time on theinspection checklist. Again, provision for recordal of this time can beprovided near the top of the checklist 86.

If desired, the holder 10 can be formed or molded to provide bottomdrainage holes 290 (see FIG. 3). These allow water or other fluids toquickly drain from the holder if such a fluid should inadvertently enterthe holder.

While the present invention has been illustrated and described asembodied in various exemplary embodiments, ie. embodiments havingparticular utility with respect to conducting inspections andmaintenance of material handling equipment, vehicles and trucks ofvarious sorts, it is to be understood that the present invention is notlimited to the details shown herein. It will be understood that variousomissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms anddetails of the disclosed holders, maintenance log books, and methods maybe made by those skilled in the art without departing in any way fromthe spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, those ofordinary skill in the art will readily adapt the present disclosure forvarious other applications without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe present invention.

1. A holder for holding a maintenance log book and maintenance relateditems for a commercial or industrial vehicle, said holder comprising: acase having spaced apart, front and rear walls, a bottom, two side wallsextending between and connecting the front and rear walls, and a topcover movable between open and closed positions, said case forming anenclosed chamber when the cover is in the closed position and beingadapted to receive and hold the maintenance log book; a tag holdingarrangement provided inside said case and connected to at least one wallof the case, said arrangement allowing a maintenance tag to be placed inor removed from said holding arrangement through an open top of the casewhen said top cover is in the open position; and an elongate, interiorwall arrangement located inside said case and connected to said case,said wall arrangement defining an elongate, narrow passage suitable forreceiving and holding an elongate, flexible connector for attaching saidmaintenance tag to the vehicle when vehicle maintenance is required. 2.A holding according to claim 1 wherein said case is a molded plasticscase and said top cover is integrally and pivotally attached to saidrear wall.
 3. A holder according to claim 1 wherein said tag holdingarrangement comprises two, elongate ribs formed on one of said front andrear walls, said ribs being spaced apart and forming grooves having opensides which face each other, each groove being adapted to hold arespective side edge of said maintenance tag.
 4. A holder according toclaim 1 wherein said interior wall arrangement includes two, elongatedivider walls located adjacent a corner of said case formed between oneof said side walls and one of said front and rear walls.
 5. A holderaccording to claim 4 including a notch formed at a top end of said oneside wall and adjacent top ends of said divided walls, said notch beingadapted to and sized to receive a connecting head provided at one end ofsaid flexible connector.
 6. A holder according to claim 2 wherein saidtop cover includes a front flap pivotably connected to a remainingsection of the top cover and said holder includes a magnetic stripclosure for detachable connecting said front flap to said front wall. 7.A method of tracking inspections and maintenance of material handlingequipment, said method comprising: providing a holder containingequipment maintenance forms on said material handling equipment, saidmaintenance forms being removable from said holder and including a bookhaving a plurality of pages having printed thereon inspection checklistslisting working parts, components and fluids to be checked on a regular,predetermined operating schedule; having an operator of said equipmentcarry out a predetermined equipment inspection covering said parts,components and fluids and filling out one of said inspection checklistsprior to operating said equipment a period of time, said book beingremoved from said holder prior to completion of said checklist; and ifmaintenance is required after said equipment inspection, having saidoperator complete a maintenance request form which is one of theprovided equipment maintenance forms; upon completion of saidmaintenance request form, if required, delivering a copy thereof to aperson responsible for maintenance of the equipment; and placing saidbook back into said holder.
 8. A method of tracking inspections andmaintenance according to claim 7 wherein said book also includes aplurality of carbonless maintenance request forms includingnon-detachable duplicate copies thereof and a plurality of carbonlessaccident report forms including non-detachable duplicate copies thereofand wherein said method includes the additional step of completing oneof said accident report forms in duplicate if an accident involving thematerial handling equipment occurs during its operation.
 9. A method oftracking inspections and maintenance according to claim 7 includingproviding a lock-out tag in said holder, removing said lock-out tag fromsaid holder and attaching said tag to the material handling equipment ifsaid equipment inspection determines that the equipment cannot be usedor cannot safely be used until the equipment has been repaired orcertain necessary maintenance has been completed.
 10. A method oftracking inspections and maintenance according to claim 8 wherein saidmaterial handling equipment is a forklift truck and said holder ismounted on said truck.
 11. A method of tracking inspection andmaintenance according to claim 7 wherein the step of filling out saidinspection checklist includes recording a start time for operation ofthe equipment by said operator and includes the additional steps ofremoving said book from said holder after the operator has finishedoperation of the equipment for said period of time and recording an endtime on said inspection checklist.
 12. A method of tracking inspectionsand maintenance according to claim 7 wherein said book also includes amaintenance log for recording time and type of routine maintenance onsaid material handling equipment, said maintenance log being one of saidequipment maintenance forms, and wherein said method includes theadditional step of recording a routine maintenance job performed on saidequipment after completion of said routine maintenance job.
 13. A methodof tracking inspections and maintenance according to claim 7 whereinsaid book includes a plurality of maintenance request forms includingnon-detachable carbonless duplicate copes of said request forms andwherein, after completion of one of said maintenance request forms induplicate, the duplicate copy of the completed request form remains insaid book.
 14. A log book for use with material handling equipment forthe purpose of conducting inspections of said equipment and maintainingsaid equipment, said book comprising: a plurality of printed pages boundtogether, each page containing at least one inspection checklist forcompletion by one or more operators of said equipment; a plurality ofadditional printed pages arranged in pairs in order to provide duplicatecopies with one of the two copies being detachable and the second of thetwo copies being non-detachable from the log book, said additionalprinted pages being maintenance request forms, wherein during use ofsaid log book and prior to use of said equipment, a user of saidequipment can check off one of said checklists, each of which listsworking parts and components and fluids to be checked by the user, andif maintenance is required after said equipment inspection, said usercan complete one of said maintenance request forms in duplicate andremove said one detachable copy from the log book in order to requestmaintenance for said equipment.
 15. A log book according to claim 14including accident report form pages arranged in pairs in order toprovide duplicate copies with one of the two copies of each accidentreport form page being detachable and the second of the two copies ofthe accident report form page being non-detachable from the log book.16. A log book according to claim 14 including at least one maintenancelog page having printed columns for recording the date and nature ofmaintenance jobs carried out on said equipment, said at least onemaintenance log page being non-detachable from said log book.
 17. A logbook according to claim 16 wherein said log book is for use with aforklift truck and the inspection checklists on said printed pages eachlist forklift components including forks, mast, lift cylinder, andoverhead guard.
 18. A log book according to claim 17 wherein eachprinted page containing at least one inspection checklist has aplurality of columns for completion by an operator of the forklifttruck, each column being usable for a respective single forklift truckinspection.
 19. A log book according to claim 14 wherein said additionalprinted pages comprise two part carbonless forms for making duplicatecopies.
 20. A log book according to claim 19 including a movable flapmember which can be inserted by a user of the log book behind a selectedone of the two part carbonless forms in order to prevent data beingrecorded on said selected two part form from being transferred wholly orpartially to any two part carbonless form underlying said flap member.